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Replacing a Timing Belt Cost

How Much Does Replacing a Timing Belt Cost?
 
average cost Range: $250-$750
 



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Timing belt replacement is something that needs to be done on a scheduled basis, as it can be hard to visually inspect a timing belt. We've compiled the following tips:
1. Find a mechanic before you need one. Do your research and locate a mechanic you trust before you actually need servicing, so you aren't stuck with the first mechanic you find during a time of need.
2. Consult your owner's manual and use that schedule for timing belt replacement. Dealers and service mechanics will often tell you to replace your timing belt every 60,000 miles, but many manufacturers do not recommend changing the timing belt until 80,000 or even 100,000 miles
 
Typical costs:
  • We've seen quotes for timing belt replacement between $250-$750, depending on how much labor is involved (based on the make of the car) and the hourly labor rate
  • Replacing timing belts can take as few as two hours and as many as six hours. We've seen hourly labor quotes from $40 an hour where there is a low cost of living, to over $110-$150 an hour at BMW and Mercedes dealerships in urban areas. In the San Francisco Bay Area, we've seen ordinary repair shops with rates from $55-$80 an hour, and ordinary dealerships with rates of $80-$90.
Additional costs:
  • When people replace timing belts, sometimes they will do other maintenance work, such as replacing the water pump, since they are doing some maintenance work already. Consult your owner's manual to see whether the manufacturer recommends replacing any other parts at the same time.
Shopping for replacing a timing belt:
  • If you've lost your owner's manual, which typically specifies your car's maintenance schedule, you can usually find instructions for ordering a replacement at the manufacturer's web site.
  • If you don't already have a mechanic, look for mechanics who are certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence. Search for ASE certified Blue Seal repair facilities.
Article updated November 2006
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Recent Posts
Amount: $600.00 600 timing belt
Posted by: a user in Atlanta, GA.Purchased: 2001
Car Make: hyundaiCar Model: santa fe
Hours of Labor: ?
is this too much? $600
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Amount: $880.00 Timing Belt
Posted by: diamond in fairfax, VA.Purchased: December, 2001
Car Make: HondaCar Model: Accord
I paid last week to local car dealerhip $880 to change all the different belts on the 2001 accord.
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Amount: $175.00 Timing Belt
Posted by: a user in MILWAUKEE, WI.Purchased: 2001
Car Make: PlymouthCar Model: Sundance
My car is twenty years old and had 91,000 original miles.
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Amount: $900.00 Timing Belt Replacement
Posted by: hcms in Norwood, MA.Purchased: 2007
Car Make: HondaCar Model: Odyssey
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Amount: $918.10 timing belt
Posted by: Peggy in Baltimore, MD.Purchased: 2001
Car Make: HondaCar Model: Accord
Hours of Labor: 5.8
I did timing belt exchange and 90k service.
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Amount: $350.00 Timing belt and water pump change
Posted by: Miles in Pasadena, CA.Purchased: September, 2001
Car Make: HondaCar Model: Civic
Hours of Labor: 5
Got the water pump changed as well
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Amount: $420.00 timing belt replacement
Posted by: a user in chicago, IL.Purchased: 2001
Car Make: concordCar Model: chrysler
Hours of Labor: 6
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Amount: $2,200.00 timing belt
Posted by: Leo in Fort Worth, TX.Purchased: 2001
Car Make: LexusCar Model: 300RX
Plus, water pump, and, and, wheel bearings, break pads.... all needed, but went in for timing belt.
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Amount: $750.00 Timing Belt
Posted by: MitsGuy in Potomac, MD.Purchased: August, 2006
Car Make: MitsubishiCar Model: Galant
Hours of Labor: 5
1990 model year, 18 years old. Two discount repair stores wanted around $750 for the timing belt and waterpump. Mind you the car is worth about that. I declined. This model needs a new timing belt every 60,000 miles. Car has 124k miles, I just tuned up and will use it till belt snaps and the rest is in gods hands. I mean, I'll just throw the car away, I know some who have driven way beyond the timing belts means, but I would not recommend it, if it snaps it will cause severe engine damage. The car runs like a champ otherwise.
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Amount: $703.00 Timing Belt Replacement
Posted by: BudF in Fort Walton Beach, FL.Purchased: July, 2001
Car Make: HondaCar Model: Odyssey
*I haven't had it done yet but when I got new brakes my mechanic told me it will cost $703. He gave me that in writing. Car has 80,000 miles. He recommended I have it done at 105,000 and replace the water pump at the same time.
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Amount: $650.00 Timing Belt Replacement
Posted by: Stacy in Arlington, TX.Purchased: May, 2001
Car Make: HondaCar Model: Accord
Hours of Labor: 4
This includes the water pump and antifreeze. I have a '99 Accord.
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Amount: $1,300.00 Timing belt water pump change
Posted by: Mauricio in boulder, CO.Purchased: February, 2008
Car Make: AudiCar Model: A4 quattro
Hours of Labor: 3-4
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Amount: $450.00 Timing Belt and tensioner
Posted by: sparrow in Madison, WI.Purchased: April, 2008
Car Make: HyundaiCar Model: 2003 4WD Santa Fe 6cyl
Hours of Labor: 4 to 6
Dealer recommended at 60K. I waited until 67K. Mechanic that changed it said probably could have gone another 10K - didn't see any significant belt cracks. Mechanic told me prior that the Tensioner might need to be replaced - dealer also included it in quote as well. Tensioner had a little oil around it so we went with replacing it - cost for the tensioner was about $150 out of the $450. So figure the Timing Belt including labor was $300. Hyundai Dealer quoted replacement at about $1100!
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Amount: $752.00 Replaced Timing Belt, Waterpump Drive Belt, and Oil Seals
Posted by: JSin1276 in Canyon Country, CA.Purchased: December, 2001
Car Make: HondaCar Model: Accord
Hours of Labor: 4
I took it to my Honda dealer to do the repairs as they recommended to do the whole package with the Oil seals, drive belt.
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Amount: $450.00 Kia Timing belt replacement
Posted by: Lena in Memphis, TN.Purchased: February, 2001
Car Make: KiaCar Model: Sportage
Hours of Labor: 7 hours
Had my timing belt changed two months ago at the dealership. Had a 10% off coupon wild card from a mail advertisement so that saved me a lot. It was cheaper at the dealership than at a mechanic actually. Had them check the water pump while they changed the belt which they did free of charge.
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Amount: $350.00 Timing belt, water pump, and outside drive belt change
Posted by: Timing belt, water pump, and outside drive belt change in Monterey Park, CA.Purchased: May, 2008
Car Make: TotyCar Model: Corolla
Hours of Labor: 4
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Amount: $705.00 Timing Belt & Water Pump
Posted by: AndreaS in Quantico, VA.Purchased: May, 2001
Car Make: HondaCar Model: Accord
Hours of Labor: 6
I was quoted parts and labor hours for my 2001 Honda Accord 4 cyl.:
Timing belt $71.40 + 0.6 hours of labor
Water pump $139.67 + 5.4 hours of labor

@ $72/hour the total was: $643.07+ shop fees and taxes, we were at $705.
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Amount: $790.00 Timing Belt and Water Pump
Posted by: a user in Orlando, FL.Purchased: 2002
Car Make: VolkswagonCar Model: Jetta
seemed a little high when I got the quote. We were lucky to make it this long I guess...we are 40K miles past due
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Amount: $0.00 timing belt broke
Posted by: Jerry Mundy in Perth, WA.Purchased: January, 2007
Car Make: NissanCar Model: 300z 1990
Hours of Labor: 18.00
The timing belt snapped after 88.000km but was 16 yrs old and it bent 16 of the 24 valves so it was both heads for recon with new valves and water pump at the same time.
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Amount: $675.00 Timing Belt Replacement Lexus
Posted by: CE in Memphis, TN.Purchased: February, 2003
Car Make: LexusCar Model: ES300 2003
Hours of Labor: 4.5
This is the primary work done on the 90K mile service. The charge for the timing belt replacement only was $675. All of the other 90K service items - primarily fluid changes and inspections - would have tacked an additional $1200 to the bill.
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Amount: $684.99 Timing Belt , Water Pump & Drive Belt
Posted by: Renee in Newington, CT.Purchased: August, 2008
Car Make: VolkswagenCar Model: 2002 Jetta
Hours of Labor: 5
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Amount: $225.00 timing belt
Posted by: benny lochner in brad, FL.Purchased: January, 2008
Car Make: chryslerCar Model: new yorker
my timing belt went and i paid $225.00 for parts labor and a tow did i get a good deal.
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Amount: $542.21 replace timing belt
Posted by: jBald in valdosta, GA.Purchased: February, 2001
Car Make: toyotaCar Model: camry
Hours of Labor: keep for 6 hours
Timing belt ony cost 46.03! replaced all seals and gakets, value cover and ring ,v-belt
v-ribbed belt. 1999 car year ( Toyota dealer)
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Amount: $823.62 Timing Belt, Water Pump, & External Drive Belts
Posted by: SJ in San Jose, Calif. in San Jose, CA.Purchased: June, 2004
Car Make: HondaCar Model: 2004 Accord V6 EX-L
Hours of Labor: 5-6
Had done what they called the "Timing Belt Package". My V6 Accord sedan had 104,523 miles on it when the service was performed. I also had a mailer coupon for $150.00 off timing belt package, plus a free day rental car. Of course, never seems to fail, the coupon savings was basically eaten away when I get the call to tell me that the timing belt "tensioner" was bad. Well, tack on $132.34 for that part. Nevertheless, Capitol Honda in San Jose performed above expectations. Friendly folks, fast service, awesome attitudes, free munchies, and the fact that knowing my work would be done right and warranted for peace of mind. Oh by the way, I also had a MOC Transmission fluid exchange done and also a MOC Cooling system exchange for a few extra $$$ (separate from timing belt package), but only because I wanted a complete flush of the fluids, not a measly drain and refill. Let me note that my auto transmission on my Accord was NOT giving me any problems and still seemed to be pretty smooth after almost 4.5 years of highway miles; however, after the complete MOC flush and conditioner, my transmission feels even smoother when shifting and driving, in general. It's weird, but it really does feels better than new, even though surpassing 100% is impossible. Anyway, hope my opinions help with any decision(s) you might make.
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Amount: $850.00 Cost to replace timing belt
Posted by: Craig in Raleigh, NC.Purchased: January, 2008
Car Make: PontiacCar Model: Grand Am
Hours of Labor: flat rate
This is actually a low estimate in my area. It was done at a pvt garage, and not the dealership.
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Amount: $650.00 Replace timing belt, water pump, drive belts
Posted by: a user in Williamsburg, VA.Purchased: 2001
Car Make: MitsubishiCar Model: Mirage
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Amount: $1,800.00 Timing belt/water pump/100k service
Posted by: Anon in Manassas, VA.Purchased: October, 2001
Car Make: VWCar Model: Beetle
Hours of Labor: 12
Selling/servicing dealer closed a year ago; decided to try 1 of only 2 other local area VW dealers. Went in for 100k service & annual state inspection; they recommended other services -- including timing belt & water pump replacements -- despite high price, I rec'd excellent care & service, will go back again & would recommend this dealer to others.
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